TROUT SMOKEHOUSE APPROVED BY BOROUGH COUNCIL

Taupo Times, Volume IV, Issue 203, 16 December 1955, Page 1

TROUT SMOKEHOUSE APPROVED BY BOROUGH COUNCIL

For the first time in the history of trout-smoking in Taupo no commercial trout-smoking facilities are available in the town and anglers wanting fish smoked have had to take them eight miles to Waitahanui. This position was brought before the Borough Council on December 7 by a letter from the Taupo Commercial Daunch Owners' Association. This stated that since Mr R. F. Houghton's smokehouse had been closed, at the request of the Health Inspector, visitors to Taupo had been unable to have trout smoked as there was no other smokehouse in Taupo. In consequence launch trips had been cancelled and the position would affect other -businesses. The Association suggested that anything the Council could do to permit Mr Houghton's present smokehouse to be used temporarily would relieve a serious eituation.

Cr Vedder sald the situatlon raised definite hardships for fishermen and if anything could possibly be done to allow use of the smokehouse it should be done. Ninety-nine per cent of fish taken to be smoked were cleaned before they reached the smokehouse, and he could not see any deterrent to continuance of smoking. Or Swan supported the snggestion and said smoking facilities were a necessary amenity in Taupo. Cr Stanley said a smokehouse should go in the rural area under the town planning scheme. The Town Clerk said that that was eo. But in other cases where a business had been established before the plan came into force the Council had allowed continuance. In this case Mr Houghton had only shifted the smokehouse to another position. Or Currie said it ought to be possible to site the smokehouse on a quarter acre section so that it would not be offensive. Cr Swan moved, seconded by Or Currie, that Mr Houghton be given permission to erect the smokehouse subject to it being sited on the section and erected to the satisfaction of the Building and Health Inspector and the Medical Oflicer of Health. The motion was carried.